A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed alarming failures in the placement of unaccompanied migrant children under the Biden administration. According to ongoing investigations by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE, some children were released to sponsors with serious criminal backgrounds—including individuals with charges related to child pornography, forced labor, assault, and drug trafficking. In particularly disturbing cases, girls were found to be pregnant after being placed with their sponsors. These revelations came to light through welfare checks intended to monitor the safety of the children, many of whom were discovered living in neglectful or exploitative environments.

The issue stems largely from a surge in unaccompanied minors at the southern U.S. border, which overwhelmed federal shelters and prompted expedited releases to avoid overcrowding. This push for faster processing meant vetting standards were often relaxed, leading to over 18,000 children being placed with sponsors each month—far beyond the government’s capacity to investigate thoroughly. As a result, tens of thousands of children went unmonitored, and more than 65,000 calls to the abuse hotline went unanswered. Only about 5% of the 100,000 attempted welfare checks were successful in locating the children. Child trafficking expert Jarrod Sadulski highlighted the gravity of this systemic failure. In one case, ICE rescued a 14-year-old girl who had been trafficked and forced into prostitution. Mounting public and political pressure is now pushing the Biden administration to urgently reform the placement system to safeguard vulnerable minors from further exploitation.

This is heartbreaking. Tom Homan describes a child who was just rescued from a HORRIFIC situation:

"We just found one two days ago. A 14-year-old little girl. Living with two adult males. Who trafficked her."

"We found her, she’s pregnant. From trafficking being forced into… pic.twitter.com/PnN5N86pzL

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) May 16, 2025